“Even in eastern Asia, where they normally reside, interactions between this particular insect and humans are not common,” said Dr. Paul Hasselback, a medical health officer in Nanaimo.

“They aren’t types of hornets that are coming after humans or human food.”

They do nest on the ground, however, and will sting if disturbed. Given the hornets’ size, a single sting can be painful and cause swelling, redness and itching that can be treated with ice or a cold compress.

Of more concern is the prospect of multiple stings due the toxins that are released by giant hornets, Hasselback said.